SOUTH Warrnambool export Hugh McCluggage ticked off another achievement last weekend, with the Brisbane Lion playing his 150th game against the Adelaide Crows last Saturday.
The 25 year-old produced a big effort in his milestone match, kicking two goals from 28 touches as the Lions held to triumph by six points at the GABBA.
It was strong exclamation point on what has been a blossoming career since he joined the Lions in 2016, with his performances over the year warranting All Australian squad selection and top three finishes in the Merrett-Murray Medal and his team-mates voting him as vice-captain ahead of this season.
McCluggage shunned the limelight ahead of his 150th match but did speak pre-game about how proud he was of his achievement.
“It has been an amazing journey,” he said.
“To become part of a club that was struggling when we got here but is now one of the most consistent organisations on and off the field is something I’m extremely grateful for and am proud to have played a small part in.
“There have been many special moments and I have met a lot of great people along the journey.
The victory kept the Lions in the hunt for a top two berth and home qualifying final, with McCluggage keen to go as deep into September with his club.
“My sole goal now is achieve the ultimate in team success,” he said.
“I think that for as long as I play, I’ll be striving to improve individually but I want to make sure that those around me are getting better each day and we keep a culture that nurtures and attracts great people so that we can be a consistently great club for a long time.”
The Lions take on Collingwood on Friday night at Marvel Stadium.
